Tater Tops 2009: Who's the Best Reality-Show Judge?

Choose from Simon Cowell, Mary Murphy, Nigel Lythgoe, Tom Colicchio and Bruno Tonioli

Alas, our friends, we have come to the end of Watch With Kristin's 2009 Tater Tops Awards. Today we bring you the final category: Best Reality-Show Judge.

It's been fun sharing this ride with you, and we thank you for voting over the past 29 days and for voicing your opinions on who were the best of the best on television this past year. Voting will be open until July 7. (Tomorrow we'll post an item that has every single poll listed in the same place.) We will announce the winners on July 14.

Now, on to today's competition...

Judging by your choices for the five nominees, one thing is clear: You like it when the men and women who seal the fate of contestants are sharp-tongued (Simon Cowell), tough (Nigel Lythgoe), stern (Tom Colicchio), a little wacky (Mary Murphy) or a lot wacky (Bruno Tonioli). There are no nice-guy (or gal) judges on this list. (Sorry, Paula Abdul!)

Cast your ballot in the poll below to declare who the best judge truly is.

Poll

Tater Tops 2009: Best Reality-Show Judge

Who is your favorite reality-TV judge?

Tom Colicchio, <i>Top Chef</i>

Tom Colicchio, Top Chef

38.3%

Simon Cowell, <i>American Idol</i>

Simon Cowell, American Idol

32.3%

Nigel Lythgoe, <i>So You Think You Can Dance</i>

Nigel Lythgoe, So You Think You Can Dance

9.6%

Mary Murphy, <i>So You Think You Can Dance</i>

Mary Murphy, So You Think You Can Dance

7.5%

Bruno Tonioli, <i>Dancing With the Stars</i>

Bruno Tonioli, Dancing With the Stars

12.3%

Vote Now